San Antonio, week 1! :)

Hey beloved family!!!

 

Haha, well, I don't have any time left but I just wanted to say

 

I LOVE YOU ALL SO SOSOSOSOSOSO MUCH, ¿VALE?

 

Read D&C 58:28, and if you can, rewatch/reread Edward Dube's Conference Talk. Heavenly Father has given YOU the power to do much good. Trust in God, and trust in yourself, because He trusts you!!

 

San Antonio is great. We're working hard, and we're doing a lot of walking and contacting. :) I probably would've felt discouraged at how it's going a week or two ago, but now, I just feel like everything is going to be alright, and that we really are going about the Lord's work. :) We see miracles happen all the time; little packages from heaven that light up our days. :) My companion Elder Dean is a stud, and he also wants to work hard. His spanish is doing well, and it's always getting better, and I know that as we're obedient that we will be the missionaries that Heavenly Father desires us to be.

 

Have a fantastic week!! INVITE SOMEONE YOU LOVE TO CHURCH!!!!!!!!! READ THE BOOK OF MORMON!!!!!!!!!! PRAY TO HEAVENLY FATHER AND ACT ON THE ANSWERS THAT COME!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Simply,

Élder Pablo Zubeldia

Lord, I would follow Thee

My cherished family and dear friends,

I love you all. :) I just needed you all to know, in case you've forgotten. :) What's more, Heavenly Father loves you, even if you feel like don't always deserve it. So, remember, and remind yourself often!

This week has been insane, and I will start with last Saturday night: apparently, without any of us four missionaries here on Ibiza (a small Mediterranean island -- again, please don't look it up) realizing, this week was Transfers week (every six weeks the mission switches missionaries around, according to where Heavenly Father needs them -- so I am now in my fourth transfer in Spain, my third transfer on Ibiza). 

The surprise came that our district leader was assigned to work back on the peninsula (mainland Spain); that I will be moved to the new area of San Antonio, Ibiza (which was opened last transfer by my district leader and his trainee-companion, Elder Dean), and that I will be finishing the training of Elder Dean this transfer. It didn't really hit me that night, or those next days. My previous companion will be assigned to work with the Elder who came yesterday, who was part of the first pair of missionaries who originally opened Ibiza almost 2 years ago ¨(the members are so excited that he's back!), who will also be our new district leader of the "Ibiza and Menorca District" of the Balearic Islands Zone.

Sunday, we had to break the news to the branch, and there were many tears. One of our recent converts was so overwhelmed with sorrow that she had a panic attack and fainted; I caught her in my arms and laid her on her back on some chairs, and then (as calmly as I could) asked for the other elders to give her a blessing (I was still trying to steady her and keep her conscious). The Priesthood power and authority from God is on the earth today, and I felt the change happen right below my hands. She suddenly relaxed, and was strengthened. We spent the next hour comforting her, singing hymns, and bearing testimony through the scriptures. The Spirit does have the power to guide and comfort us.

Monday, the members wanted us in their homes, and so we spent the day with them sharing scriptures, fond memories, and extending commitments to really read the Book of Mormon as families. (Mondays technically aren't Preparation Days during Transfers -- they make the day that the missionaries will be doing traveling (Tuesday) a Preparation Day so that the traveling doesn't interfere with proselyting hours. But, since we had forgotten about transfers, I had set up a ton of appointments in Ibiza for Tuesday, and so had the San Antonio elders. So...we didn't really have time for Preparation Day this week. We did try and write our families-friends on Tuesday, but my keyboard was on the fritz, and I didn't realize how to make it work until I had already tried to sign in about 10 times and got locked out. That's why I'm writing so late in the week. :/ Hermana Pace said that it is a commandment that I write every week (haha, I'm not complaining!), and she told me to use this time to write.) That night, the branch put together a farewell fireside for Elder Bozarth; there was so much love and appreciation felt there. What a sign of a missionary who is on-purpose!! Afterwards, we had our own private party amongst ourselves in piso. I love my fellow Ibiza Elders, and the wonderful members and people of this island!!

Tuesday, we took Elder Bozarth to the airport, more tears, and then we came back home wanting to get even more work done here. I went with my previous companion, Elder Lindsay, and visited our investigators, to let them know that I was leaving for San Antonio, but that I will see them at the church on Sundays and for activities. We had beautiful experiences with our investigator families; they felt the powerful peace and love of the Spirit, especially as we sung hymns for them, and testified of the merciful plan of happiness that Heavenly Father has for us, of the reality of the atonement of Jesus Christ, and of the veracity of the Book of Mormon. It was starting to sink in that I really was going to be assigned to be Elder Dean´s companion: that my responsibilities would be, in effect, different. I didn't feel ready or worthy, and to be honest, I´m still dealing with that, but the Trainer Meeting the next day was a huge blessing and comfort to me.

Wednesday (yesterday), I flew into Barcelona and went to the meeting. I don't have tons of time left, but here is a couple of the things that came to me as I was listening: 

There is no greater blessing than participating in the Lord's Work--There's no way we can do this sacred work our way; we must do it His way by KEEPING THE COMMANDMENTS.

Heavenly Father, I don't feel ready, but if you will help me, then I will do my best to do everything you ask of me.

The Lord has sent us here to bring people unto Him -- WE CAN DO IT; it'll happen as I'm dedicated, obedient, and focus on finding, teaching, and baptizing.

How successful our mission is depends on how we use our mornings... so it is in the little things that we accomplish great things (Alma 27:6-7) We will be exactly the kind of missionary that we want and work to be.

This really will be a wonderful time on the mission. I need to teach by example and through love--merely telling will never be enough. So if I need to teach by example, I need to try and follow Christ's example -- as His representatives, He doesn't ask anything less than our best efforts.

Everything will be alright; Heavenly Father will help me be worthy of this assignment, and we will help people come unto Him through the waters of baptism together!!

I love you all so much!! This work is so much fun!!! I feel like I'm receiving the strength and joy and love that I need, and the problems that we had before seem so small now. Thank you so much for your support, love, and counsel. I love you all so much!! We are going to see so many miracles in San Antonio, I can feel it!! We're going to have so much fun going about the work together!!!

I pray that everything is going well for you all, and I'm so glad to have you all in my life. This week's challenge: put the words of the prophets (from Conference and from the BoM) to the test--see if you don't get blessed by your sincere efforts to invite people to come unto Christ. I know that you will be blessed and helped by God as you labor in His work.

Simply,

Élder Pablo Zubeldia

This week in Ibiza

Here is what I wrote to my Mission President this week:

Dear President,
 
I am doing well, and I know that Heavenly Father will always help me when I'm doing less-well. We are seeing miracles in contacting--we have been contacted by several people who seem sincerely interested in learning more about the church (we just got three more investigators on the way to write these e-mails), and I know that it is because of the Spirit of cheerful obedience, gratitude, and hope. 
  
Our members here are amazing!! Because of the loving relationship we share between ourselves and the Lord, they want to help us out in the Work of Salvation here on Obedience Island. From what they keep telling us, we are going to have at least 20 nonmembers coming to the activity we're all planning for this Saturday. Miracles are all over the place when we've got the Spirit and the strength to share a smile!!
  
With the Lord´s help, NOTHING is impossible. 

 

Thank you so much, President, for responding to my last e-mail! I´m so grateful for everything that you and Sister Pace do for me and our mission. We´re always praying for you both!!  

Simply,
Élder Zubeldia

Now I want to tell you about the spiritual experience I had on Oct 4th, as written in my journal this morning. :)

  

I now realize that bearing testimony is a powerful tool in bringing the Spirit, not only into lessons and into the hearts of others, but also to our own hearts and lives. The power of the Spirit, and the sharp piercing of the truths that He guides us to express, can burst through, and clear away, any darkness that tries to settle in an chain down our spirit.

Mosiah 23:21-24 (yeah, you should take a moment to read it :) This is one that stuck out to me because of the study I´m doing with Katie. :) Heavenly Father is so incomprehensibly good to me!! Best life EVER!!!!)

We must never compromise our trust in God´s promise and powers of deliverance. Only He can deliver us from failing hearts and all forms of bondage. He only asks us to put our trust in Him, to show our love for Him by turning to Him always, and by helping others to choose the same. Only with Him will we feel the everlasting joy and peace that comes from His deliverance.

He loves me. I love Him. We will be happy forever as we all come home, together, to Him.

...

Haha, I learned so much this week, and I haven't even talked about the portions of Conference (Saturday and Sunday Morning, and Priesthood meeting) that I've been able to see so far!! Well, time is of the essence -- and Conference is on the internet!! If you, like me, haven't seen parts (or any) of the recent General Conference, INVEST 15-20 MIN OUT OF YOUR DAY TO DRASTICALLY IMPROVE YOUR QUALITY OF LIFE!!! With practically no barriers to having your deepest doubts and fears concerning God resolved, really LISTEN TO THE WORD OF THE PROPHETS, and put God´s truths to the test in your life. 

I know that you will feel the difference, if you sincerely give it a chance.

Only you can take your steps towards everlasting happiness and peace. The promise isn't that it will always be easy; the promise is that you will never be alone as you keep moving forward. :)

I love you!!

Simply,

Élder Zubledia

Tender mercies

My dearest family,

I love you so much. :)

This is what I wrote to my Mission President just barely (that which is in bold wasn´t originally there):

Dear President,

Thank you so much for this last Zone Conference. I really needed the spiritual manna that was there. Thank you for letting me know about my cousin, Élder Ward (Did you all know that he´s BACK IN SPAIN?!?! 8D). Thank you for the Gardeners (They are the senior couple who has just arrived in Palma and they are FANTASTIC--Mami, expect an e-mail from them sometime)--they are such a blessing to us all, and they bring so much spiritual strength and wisdom!! I need the strength that the "pleasing word of God" gives, whether from the Spirit, the scriptures, or from my leaders like yourself and Sister Pace.

I know that nothing is impossible. I know that Heavenly Father is happy when His children come closer to realizing how intrinsically valuable they are. I know that we all have supernal potential. I know that the Spirit, and the love of Christ, are necessary for us to progress, and to help others progress, on our paths towards our eternal self-actualization. I know that Heavenly Father lives. I know that He loves us all. I know that that is the reason for everything. I know that if we keep that in mind, and act accordingly, everything will be okay.

Thank you so much, President, for all that you and Sister Pace do for the Lord, the mission, these people, these islands, and for me. I´m praying for you, both. If there´s anything at all that I could even hypothetically do (Other than trying my best to be a hard-working, obedient, miracle-worthy missionary out here in Ibiza) for you two, please don´t hesitate to let me know.

Simply,
Élder Zubeldia

We´ve had a slow week here in Ibiza (investigador-wise and progress-wise-in-relation-to-other-aspects-of-the-work-in-general), but you know what, that´s okay. I feel that, if this time is the time that Heavenly Father wants me to focus, then this time is being really well spent (in fact, it is probably being really well invested in future miracles that will come when we work as a united team, together with the Spirit). I know that there are no accidents, and that Heavenly Father´s plan is perfect. As long as I put all of my trust in the Lord, continue striving for obedience, and continue happily expressing love to my companion, I know that the Spirit will be with us, that we will see miracles, and that peace and joy will abide in our hearts.

DON´T EVER GIVE UP!!! If you read the Book of Mormon, ponder, and pray, every day, then you will have the Spirit with you, and you will be able to make miracles happen in your days. LISTEN TO GENERAL CONFERENCE AND TRY TO GET AS MANY  PEOPLE TO DO THE SAME!!!

God is real, He is our Father, He loves us, and He wants us to be happy. He has all knowledge, and has things to tell us so that we will be happier, because He loves us. It´s convenient, then, for us to listen to the things He has to say to us. We can come and listen and see for ourselves just those things He has to say to us this weekend. Everyone deserves to have the happiness that comes from having the knowledge that He wants us to have. PLEASE LISTEN TO ALL OF CONFERENCE AND INVITE OTHERS TO WATCH IT WITH YOU!!! 

Thank you so much for your e-mails!! I love you all so much. I am praying for you all!!

I love you all, so much.

Simply,

Élder Zubeldia

Baleares Zone Conference

This picture was posted in "El Faro" Pablo is in the back row.

Rayos de Clemencia

My beloved family & co,

I love you all so much!!!

Turnips...I just realized that I am completely out of time. I'll write more next week!!

So: quick sum up--this week was emotionally tough (I had a little moment where I had the most absurd thought that I couldn't do anything to help these people), but through the grace of God (los Rayos de Clemencia), the Spirit, the scriptures, and the loving response of these members (I love these people) towards me, I am being given the strength and happiness to keep helping others. :) I'm able to work with my companion, we're becoming closer as friends every day.

Don't worry, Mami, I'm getting plenty of food. :) There are lots of members/investigadors who give us tons of rice and beans and meat, and there is a Nigerian sister who gives us interesting African food, and then there are some members who go out of their way to make sure that we are always eating very healthy meals. :) We are fed every day, usually multiple times a day.

The weather is gorgeous, and the tourists are invading for the closing parties of the discotecas. The insanity that has been pretty constant my whole time here will die down at the beginnings of October, so I'm told.

Speaking of which--CONFERENCE IS COMING!!!! :D We've made flyers, and we're going to put ads in the newspaper to invite people to come and listen to the prophet's voice!! I'M SO EXCITED!!!

We're also going to restart our English classes, and reannounce them throughout the city. We feel like there are lots of people who need this service (aside from, but including, the even more important message of the Gospel!!)

We're still working with those two families I spoke to you about, and the members are bringing many more coming!! Miracles are happening every day, and I'm humbled to be a servant and representative of the Lord out here on the island!

I'm so glad to hear that the family is reading the Book of Mormon together!!! Keep it up!!! However, don't forget to READ IT BY YOURSELF AS WELL!!!

I want everyone who gets this to know that I haven't forgotten them. I love you, and I think about you all INDIVIDUALLY every day, especially in my prayers.

I love you, and I will be writing actual  letters soon!! And I will send pictures for the blog!!

-Élder Pablo Zubeldia

I love you! :)

My family,

 

I love you! :)

 

This is some of what I wrote to President Pace today:

 

Dear President,

 

In relation to the work, we are excited! We have a couple of families (A family of four; they are already hinting at being baptized; and a family of five; their case is a little more difficult, but I know that with the Lord, NOTHING is impossible!!!) here in Ibiza, and we have found miracle families also in a nearby pueblo Santa Eularia (we're planning on going there with members once a week). I love these people, and I know that we're going to continue seeing miracles!!

Thank you for all that you and Sister Pace do for these precious people and for the Lord's work! If there's ever a way that we can thank you two more effectively than this, please let us know! Also, if there's anything that we can do for you, we're at your command!

As for now, we'll continue keeping you both in our prayers. :)

Simply,
Élder Zubeldia

 

I am doing well, and my companion is doing well, and our companionship is doing well. :)We're pressing forward, focusing always on unity, obedience, being ourselves, and having fun as representatives of the Lord. :)

 

I will definitely write more actual letters home. :) I'm already almost out of time. X)

 

Thank you for keeping me updated!! I'm so excited for you all!

 

Susana -- Ánimo!! Hermana, when it's hard, remember why you're there, and decide to be cheerfully obedient. Missionary work is supposed to be fun -- if you're not enjoying what you're doing, then you're doing it wrong. :) I love you!!

 

Sarah -- you are such a great example of reading the Book of Mormon! Keep your foot on the pedal! Drew Beard is already back?! What?! Tell him I love him, if you see him! Anyway: have lots of fun, keep being responsible you, and remember that I love you and I'm praying for you!

 

Daniel -- I love hearing about you being the older brother!! Keep up the good work!! You are such a stud! READ THE BOOK OF MORMON all by yourself. Try it and see the changes. :)

 

Levi -- if you don't become one of the leaders of the Nerd Club, I am going to be disappointed. ;) I love you so much, buddy!! READ THE BOOK OF MORMON all by yourself. I love you the way that you are -- keep being you, and try to serve your siblings!!

 

Cuco -- You are such a Pokémon Master!! Don't get frustrated with speaking -- you CAN do it!! Do you know what would help? READING THE BOOK OF MORMON out loud all by yourself. Do it and you'll see!!!

 

Sofía -- I love you so much, Beatiful!! :) I'm so proud of you for being a missionary!! READ THE BOOK OF MORMON--it will help you know what to say, and will make you feel happy!!

 

Soraya -- Guapa, I want to give you squishy hugs and kiss your squishy chocolatey cheeks!! Ask Mami or Papi to READ THE BOOK OF MORMON with you!! I love you, honey!!

 

Parents -- I'm safe, I'm chock full of energy, and I'm working hard. Every day is my best day yet. :) I love you, and I'm not letting a minute of the Lord's time pass me by!